Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary was formed in 2011 to help provide shelter and care for horses in need.

With a history of working with horses in the area, it was no surprise when Connie Hendrix’s phone rang with a call from the Camden County Sheriff’s office asking for her help. All four of the starving horses they found that day were brought back to Connie’s farm, yet two of them proved too weak to even stand and passed away not long after. This event illuminated the need for an organization to deal with the ever-increasing number of horses that were being abused, neglected and abandoned in their rural area. Thus, Missouri Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue and Sanctuary was formed in 2011 to help provide shelter and care for horses in need.

Since its inception, MFMN has taken in 427 horses, finding adoptive homes for 233. The horses arrive for a variety of reasons and MFMN accepts them all. “We don’t discriminate based on breed or age,” says Connie. In fact, many arrive at MFMN due to their advanced age. After a lifetime spent plowing fields, pulling carriages or working cattle, they are disposed of since they are no longer considered productive. “We get 3-4 calls a week from people looking for someone to take their horse,” says Connie.

All of the horses are immediately treated by a veterinarian, started on an individualized feeding program and allowed to simply do as they please. Horses that are young enough undergo an evaluation before undergoing training and are then ridden on a regular basis to reinforce their training over time.

Each horse has its own personality, but one in particular became a special member of the family at MFMN. A young colt born with “windswept” syndrome, a condition that caused his back legs to hit when he walked, he was passed off by his breeder who chose to forego the surgery that could have fixed him. Named Danny Boy upon his arrival at MFMN, the veterinarian was able to remove a tumor from his leg and gave him special shoes to help him walk.

“Danny was so happy. He became the official greeter of the sanctuary, he stole hats from volunteers and supervised their work every day,” remembers Connie. However, after undergoing several surgeries which proved unsuccessful in relieving his constant pain, it was decided to release him from his suffering. “He had remained his happy, spunky self through so much, however the light had gone out of his eyes, it was time,” Connie says of Danny’s decline. “The volunteers came to say good-bye, pet him and hold his head while telling him how much he was loved.” Danny passed on May 13, 2017, but he is not forgotten. “We were so blessed to have him for as long as we did. He taught us so much about unconditional love, patience and perseverance,” says Connie

MFMN couldn’t do the incredible work that they do without the support of sponsors, donations and their dedicated volunteers. Use the information below to find out how you can contribute and become a part of the inspirational work done here every day.

If you are interested in loaning or donating your horse trailer to this particular organization, then check out details of our Horse Trailer Donation and Sharing Program here. Then, post your comments below to help out!